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Free Access to Spay/Neuter Conference Recordings Available for Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana Residents
Missed the 2026 United Spay Alliance Conference? There's still an opportunity to learn from animal welfare experts at no cost! Thanks to the generous support of the Joanie Bernard Foundation, a partner of OAA, scholarships are still available for residents of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana to access recordings from the 2026 United Spay Alliance Conference.
Meet the Board: Matthew Pryor's Passion for Policy, Pets, and Protecting Animals
For Ohio Animal Advocates (OAA) Board Member Matthew Pryor, animal welfare is a mix of heart and law. A lifelong animal lover, Matthew is a civil litigation attorney who joined the Board to put his love of reading and understanding the law to work for animals, both by helping Ohioans understand the laws that affect them and by advocating for better ones.
Ohio Sees Nation's Largest Decline in Housing Affordability: What This Means for Pet Owners
Ohio has experienced the largest decline in homeownership affordability in the United States over the past five years, according to a new report from the National Housing Conference (NHC). As reported by NBC4, homeownership affordability in Ohio dropped by 41% between 2020 and 2025, with rising housing costs significantly outpacing wages.
Ohio's Domestic Violence Initiatives Highlight the Connection Between Animal Abuse and Family Violence
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently announced new initiatives to support domestic violence survivors and improve law enforcement responses, following research showing that domestic violence is the most prevalent violent crime in Ohio. According to the Governor's October 22 announcement, more than half of Ohio's violent crime arrests between 1974 and 2023 involved domestic violence charges.
When Saving Lives Comes at a Cost: Examining the Unintended Consequences of the No-Kill Movement
The no-kill movement has reshaped animal sheltering across the United States, encouraging communities to prioritize lifesaving alternatives to euthanasia. However, concerns about animal overpopulation, overcrowded shelters, and public safety raise an important question: Are efforts to save every animal sometimes creating unintended consequences?
Meet the Board: Reese Albright's Passion for Animal Welfare and Advocacy
For Ohio Animal Advocates (OAA) Board Member Reese Albright, animal welfare is about more than protecting animals. It's about building stronger communities, advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves, and working together to create lasting change. Based in Cleveland, Reese is an estate planning attorney who brings a unique perspective to animal advocacy.
Ohio Animal Foundation's Tackle Pet Hunger Campaign Helps Keep Pets and Families Together
For many families across central Ohio, rising living expenses and financial hardship can make it difficult to afford everyday necessities, including food for their pets. According to a report from the United Way of Central Ohio, nearly 40% of Ohio households fall below the ALICE threshold, which includes families living in poverty and working households struggling to make ends meet.
OAA Book of the Month - Denali’s New Life
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and OAA knows domestic violence affects animals too. This month’s book, Denali’s New Life, written by Karey Burek, PhD, and the Animal Welfare Institute, highlights a book that follows the true story of a dog named Denali, a dog that was severely impacted by domestic violence but found a new lease on life.
Miami County Animal Boarding Facility Ordered to Close for Five Years Following Dog's Death
Miami County animal boarding facility has been ordered to close for at least five years after a dog was attacked and killed while in its care. According to a Sept 22 report from the Dayton Daily News, Destinee C. Javier, owner and operator of Back to Eden Animal Boarding in Monroe Township, pleaded guilty to one count of animal cruelty following an investigation by the Miami County Animal Shelter.
From the Exam Room to the Statehouse: Dr. G's Fight for Animals
From investigating animal cruelty cases to expanding access to veterinary care, Dr. Alba Michelle Gonzalez, or Dr. G, is dedicated to making a difference for animals across Ohio. As both a practicing veterinarian and a forensic veterinarian, Dr. G has witnessed firsthand the challenges animals face, from neglect and cruelty to limited access to affordable veterinary care.
Family Dog Travels 2,300 Miles, then Separated from Owners Following Immigration Detention
After traveling 2,300 miles with his family from Venezuela to the United States, a beloved dog named Simba is facing another heartbreaking separation. In 2022, Yurimar, her husband, their three children, and Simba traveled through Colombia, Central America, and Mexico, including the dangerous Darién Gap, seeking political asylum in the U.S. Determined to keep their dog with them.
Second Defendant Charged in Loudonville Dog Breeder Case, Also Faces Charges Involving Children
A second person has now been charged in connection with the investigation into the Loudonville commercial dog breeding operation previously covered by Ohio Animal Advocates. According to Richland Source, Ross C. Rutschilling, 24, faces six charges in Ohio, including five counts of aiding or abetting sexual conduct with an animal and one count of attempted cruelty to companion animals.
“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.”
— Nelson Mandela
